India Showcases Military Power as Vande Mataram Completes 150 Glorious Years at Republic Day Parade

India celebrated its 77th Republic Day on Monday with a grand parade at Kartavya Path, New Delhi, led by President Droupadi Murmu. The ceremony carried added historical significance as the nation commemorated 150 years of Vande Mataram, the song that became a rallying cry of India’s freedom movement. The event highlighted India’s military strength, cultural diversity, democratic values, and the spirit of Jan Bhagidari.

The celebrations were attended by high-profile international guests, including European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa, underlining India’s growing global stature.

The central theme of this year’s Republic Day parade revolved around “150 Years of Vande Mataram”, India’s progress, indigenous defence capabilities, Cultural Heritage, and collective participation. Stretching from Rashtrapati Bhavan to the National War Memorial, the parade blended tradition with cutting-edge Military Technology and modern governance.

Republic Day Parade 2026: Key Highlights

• The parade commenced at 10:30 am and was scheduled to last approximately 90 minutes. Prime Minister Narendra Modi began the day by paying homage to fallen soldiers at the National War Memorial.
• President Droupadi Murmu, accompanied by Antonio Costa and Ursula von der Leyen, arrived at Kartavya Path in a traditional buggy, escorted by the President’s Bodyguard, the Army’s senior-most regiment.
• The National Flag was unfurled, followed by the National Anthem and a 21-gun salute fired using indigenously developed 105 mm Light Field Guns by the 1721 Ceremonial Battery of the 172 Field Regiment.
• Nearly 100 cultural artists led the parade under the theme “Vividata Mein Ekta – Unity in Diversity”, performing with musical instruments representing India’s vast cultural landscape.
• Four Mi-17 1V helicopters of the 129 Helicopter Unit, led by Group Captain Alok Ahlawat, flew in the Dhwaj Formation and showered flower petals along Kartavya Path.
• The parade was commanded by Lieutenant General Bhavnish Kumar, with Major General Navraj Dhillon serving as the Second-in-Command.
• Param Vir Chakra awardees Subedar Major (Honorary Captain) Yogendra Singh Yadav (Retd) and Subedar Major Sanjay Kumar, along with Ashok Chakra awardees Major General CA Pithawalia (Retd) and Colonel D Sreeram Kumar, marched with pride.
• The European Union contingent featured four flag bearers carrying the flags of the European Union, EU Military Staff, EU Naval Force Atalanta, and EU Naval Force Aspides.
• For the first time, the Indian Army showcased a phased Battle Array Format with aerial components, featuring 61 Cavalry, High Mobility Reconnaissance Vehicles, DHRUV ALH, RUDRA helicopters, T-90 Bhishma, Arjun MBT, Apache AH-64E, PRACHAND helicopters, BMP-II, Nag Missile System Mk-2, Special Forces vehicles, robotic dogs, unmanned ground vehicles, and autonomous systems such as NIGRAHA, BHAIRAV, BHUVIRAKSHA, and KRISHNA.
• Combat support elements included SHAKTIBAAN and DIVYASTRA units equipped with swarm drones, tethered drones, and hybrid UAV ZOLT, reinforced by loitering munitions like HAROP, Mini Harpy, Peacekeeper, ATS (ER/MR), and Sky Striker.
• Artillery systems such as Dhanush, ATAGS, BrahMos, SURYASTRA, Akash, and ABHRA MRSAM rolled past, followed by the Drone Shakti Lorry and a glass-encased Integrated Operational Centre depicting Operation Sindoor.
• The Him Yodhas animal contingent showcased Bactrian camels, Zanskar ponies, raptors, and Indian dog breeds equipped with bullet-resistant gear, cameras, and GPS systems.
• Marching contingents included the Mixed Scouts, Rajput Regiment, Assam Regiment, Jammu & Kashmir Light Infantry, Regiment of Artillery, 4 BHAIRAV Battalion (Sikh Light Infantry), and Combined Military Bands.
• The Indian Navy contingent of 144 personnel, led by Lieutenant Karan Nagyal, was followed by a naval tableau featuring INSV Kaundinya, Maratha Navy ships, INS Vikrant, Nilgiri-class frigates, Kalvari-class submarines, the GSAT-7R satellite, and the INSV Tarini circumnavigation route.
• The Indian Air Force contingent, led by Squadron Leader Jagdesh Kumar, synchronised with a fly-past of Rafale, MiG-29, Su-30, and Jaguar aircraft in the “Spearhead Formation,” symbolising Operation Sindoor.
• The Veterans’ Tableau titled “Sangram se Rashtranirman Tak” depicted war machines, the Amar Jawan Jyoti, and the role of veterans in nation-building.
• The Tri-Services Tableau showcased “Operation Sindoor: Victory Through Jointness”, highlighting coordinated air strikes, naval manoeuvres, and ground offensives.
• An all-women Indian Coast Guard contingent led by Assistant Commandant Nishi Sharma demonstrated maritime security under the motto “Vayam Rakshamah”.
• DRDO displayed the Long Range Anti-Ship Missile (LR-AShM), a hypersonic glide missile capable of speeds up to Mach 10, featuring a quasi-ballistic trajectory, indigenous sensors, and two-stage solid propulsion.
• Other marching contingents included CISF, CRPF, ITBP, Delhi Police, and the BSF camel contingent. NCC girl cadets led by Mansi Vishwakarma, boy cadets led by Tawheed Altaf, and MY Bharat NSS volunteers also participated.
• A total of 30 tableaux — representing 17 States and Union Territories and 13 Ministries — rolled out under the themes “Swatantrata ka Mantra: Vande Mataram” and “Samriddhi ka Mantra: Aatmanirbhar Bharat”, showcasing culture, heritage, self-reliance, and governance initiatives.
• Nearly 2,500 cultural artists performed to “Vande Mataram – The Eternal Resonance of Bharat”, while the CRPF-SSB Dare Devils mesmerised audiences with motorcycle formations such as Garuda, Power of Yoga, Desh Rakshak, and Touch the Sky.
• The fly-past featured 29 aircraft, including fighters, transport planes, and helicopters, flying in formations like Arjan, Vajraang, Varuna, and Vijay.

Special Initiatives Marking Republic Day 2026

Special initiatives included exhibitions celebrating 150 years of Vande Mataram, Pan-India band performances, Bharat Parv at the Red Fort from January 26 to 31, free Metro and Park-and-Ride services, Divyang-friendly enclosures, a nationwide Swachhata campaign, Veer Gatha 5.0 with participation from 1.92 crore Students, the Rashtraparv Portal, and the Prime Minister’s NCC Rally scheduled for January 28.

The 77th Republic Day parade stood as a powerful reminder of India’s journey from its freedom struggle to a confident, self-reliant nation, firmly rooted in its cultural heritage while advancing with modern military and technological strength.